Glossary · People and paperwork
In short
This is when the SBA authorizes certain lenders (PLP lenders) to make final loan approval decisions without prior SBA review. It speeds up the loan process significantly.
Lenders with "Preferred Lender Program" (PLP) status have delegation of authority. This means they can underwrite and approve SBA loans themselves, only submitting the documentation to the SBA after approval for guaranty. Working with a PLP lender usually results in a much faster closing timeline for your acquisition.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Defined by DealRoom.so SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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